This study examined the collateral effects of WiggleWorks, an interactive literacy program, in two settings: a cohort study comparing random samples of grade 1 and 2 students before and after software implementation, and a longitudinal sample tracing students from kindergarten to grade 1. Showed increases in computer use, skills, and…

Describes how novice software designers interpreted usability sessions and how the designers responded to users' reactions to their prototypes. Describes qualitative analysis of class projects, usability sessions, and interviews with graduate students and proposes recommendations on how to improve the training of educational software developers.…

Examined student attitudes toward the introduction of a Web component into a general biology course for undergraduate nonmajors that allowed asynchronous learning outside the classroom and increased student-to-student interaction. Results showed a positive effect on student learning, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Attitudes…

Discusses distance learning research and describes a study of 399 students at two universities that investigated the role of perceived technology usefulness, technological familiarity and accessibility, reputation, constraints, learning preferences, and demographic factors on prospective receptivity toward distance learning. Considers implications…

Reports on the introduction of a computer conferencing component into an engineering course at Deakin University (Australia) Results showed significant variations in computer usage that were correlated to student study mode, and on-campus students were more likely to agree that computers could assist their learning. (Author/LRW)

Explored the opportunities presented by network-based communication to facilitate collaborative critical reflection between elementary and middle school teachers who were working on a curriculum development project. Considers self-efficacy and discusses results that showed that collaboratively produced network-based communication was significantly…

Describes a study that used a survey with many open-ended questions to investigate possible differences between high school males and females and racial groups in coeducational and same-sex schools in Nebraska in their attitudes, use, and career interest in technology. Hispanics showed a significantly higher interest in computer careers. Sample of…

Discusses how higher education institutions can develop appropriate and adequate plans that maximize the increase in technology in both administration and teaching; considers the formation of faculty advisory groups for decision making; and describes a Delphi survey of faculty senate leaders about how faculty should be involved in planning for…

Describes results of an integrated curriculum project in New Zealand that generated paradoxical results regarding student motivation and attitudes toward computer use during junior high school, where attitudes became less positive. Examines implications for the design and implementation of curriculum projects involving student use of computer…

Describes the development of the Mentor Teacher Model that trained middle school and high school mathematics teachers in New Jersey as mentor teachers in the effective use of computer-based technologies for teaching mathematics. Highlights include student-centered teaching methods; cooperative learning; problem-solving activities; and technology…

This study examined the presence, origins, contents, and purposes of Internet acceptable use policies in 100 selected K-12 schools. Discusses results of descriptive and qualitative analysis of an online survey and content analysis, including areas of liability, online behavior, system integrity, content quality, and consequences of violation of…

Describes a study that focused on 21 graduate students enrolled in a hypermedia in education class who constructed concept maps on the term hypermedia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether students created concept maps differently based on their Kolb learning styles and levels of hypermedia knowledge. (Author/LRW)

Presents an exploratory case study with preservice teacher education students of an experience in collaborative discourse mediated through an educationally designed network-based application. Topics include computer mediated communication; text-based communication; small group discussion; and software design, including the design of IdeaWeb that…

Describes a study that examined teacher's and parents' beliefs across several dimensions of the classroom learning environment, including assessment, knowledge, student role, and pedagogy. Discusses results that indicated parents held more traditional views than teachers, and considers implications for instructional designers, curriculum…

Examines the pedagogic usefulness of the computer by focusing on changes in student attitudes and use of computers in a computer-enriched environment using data from a longitudinal study at Wake Forest University. Results indicate that a networked institution where students have easy access can foster positive attitudes. (Author/LRW)